Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached their highest FIFA world ranking in 16 years, climbing to 26th place in the latest global standings released in January 2026.
The significant rise follows the team’s impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they secured the bronze medal.
Under head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles emerged as one of the biggest movers in the new rankings, jumping 12 places from their previous position.
Their current placement marks Nigeria’s best ranking since May 2010, when the country was ranked 21st in the world.
During the ranking period, Nigeria played seven matches at the AFCON tournament, recording six wins and suffering just one defeat.
The campaign included a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, followed by a 2–0 quarter-final triumph against Algeria. In the semi-final, the Eagles lost narrowly to hosts Morocco on penalties after a tense goalless draw.
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Nigeria recovered strongly in the third-place playoff, battling Egypt to another 0-0 stalemate before prevailing 4–2 in the penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal.
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According to FIFA, the Super Eagles gained 79.09 ranking points — the highest increase achieved by any nation in the latest update — highlighting the impact of their AFCON exploits.
The tournament also had a major effect on other African nations. Hosts Morocco broke into the top 10 for the first time since April 1998, rising three places to eighth despite losing the final to Senegal in extra time.
Senegal’s title-winning run propelled them up seven spots to 12th in the world, their highest-ever ranking.
Globally, Spain retained the number one position, with Argentina and France completing the top three.
Morocco’s entry into the top 10 resulted in Croatia, Belgium and Germany dropping out of the elite bracket.
Across the continent, Cameroon matched Nigeria as the joint biggest climber, also moving up 12 places. Algeria improved to 28th, Egypt to 31st and Ivory Coast to 37th.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) now boasts nine countries inside the world’s top 50 rankings, an increase from seven at the end of 2025.
FIFA announced that the next update to the men’s world rankings will be published on April 1, 2026.
